Body Contouring After Dramatic Weight Loss
Losing over 100 pounds is a major accomplishment. However, once you reach your goal weight, you may be left with lingering excess skin around your stomach, legs, or buttocks that could make you feel like your weight loss journey is incomplete.
To restore a naturally shaped figure and achieve a leaner shape, body contouring after massive weight loss is an option for some patients. If you’re curious about what this journey looks like, we spoke with one of Dr. Bajaj’s patients who recently went through skin removal surgery in April 2019.
Firsthand Experience of Body Contouring with Dr. Bajaj
Amber of Midwest City recently lost more than 120 pounds in the last two years. However, she felt like her body didn’t match how she felt on the inside.
“Really the biggest thing was that I had lost all this weight, but I was stuck in my old body. I wasn’t confident in clothing because I had extra skin. I just wasn’t very comfortable at all.”
Although Amber worked hard to get healthy, stronger, and maintain her weight loss goals, she still had to wear pants or leggings that held in her skin – she would wear compression tank tops under her shirts to conceal her stomach.
Amber knew Dr. Bajaj performed body contouring procedures but wanted to learn more. Once Amber had a consultation with Dr. Bajaj and talked through all of her options, she decided to go through with it.
“She did such a great job with my previous surgery when I had my breast implant removal and I knew I was in good hands,” Amber says. “She makes you feel super comfortable. I feel like she cares how I feel, and she listens to me—just like any friend would.”
About the Body Contouring Procedure
Dr. Bajaj performed a tummy tuck, thigh lift, and posterior body lift to remove the excess skin Amber had from her weight loss. These surgeries were performed in stages. Typically, body contouring surgeries after weight loss need to be performed in 2-3 separate procedures for your safety.
“I did this for me, and I have earned this,” Amber says. “I am 39 wearing crop tops and running in a sports bra for the first time in my life. It has definitely helped me feel more comfortable and makes me feel like my body finally matches up with how I feel. I have even become a better runner because I don’t have to worry about so much extra skin slowing me down.
Although Amber healed well, it’s important to understand that results take time.
“I think it’s worth pointing out that people shouldn’t have these perfect expectations,” Amber says. “Know that it’s not a quick fix. You’ve gotta put in the work. Dr. Bajaj can help you every step of the way.”
How a Healthy Lifestyle Can Help You with Your Procedure
Over the next four months, Amber quickly healed from her surgery by continuing her healthy lifestyle and moving her body.
“Diet and exercise are so important leading up to the surgery and after,” Amber says. “The better shape you’re in leading up to surgery the faster you bounce back. I was in the CrossFit gym two weeks after surgery—with modifications of course.”
Dr. Bajaj typically performs her procedures as outpatient procedures. She also encourages patients to move and walk shortly after surgery to help prevent additional swelling or blood clots.
“I tried to move as much as I could, rest and then get back up and get some more steps,” Amber says. “That movement really helped to keep my blood flowing. The more blood flow you bring throughout your body, the faster you can heal.”
Advice for Patients of Body Contouring
Amber is an inspiration to many who are wanting to transform their body through diet and exercise. But if you’re thinking about body contouring surgery, she recommends being at your best before the surgery and continuing your journey afterward.
“Be at your weight loss goal before the surgery. Also, people tend to want to wait to work out until after the surgery. Everybody wants to put off starting their strength training exercises before surgery. Go ahead and start that now. The muscle underneath is still going to be there when the skin is removed, even if you can’t see it right now.”
Is This Right for You?
If you have lost a dramatic amount of weight and Amber’s story resonates with you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bajaj. Bajaj is a body contouring specialist who brings her passion for helping her patients restore their bodies to regain their lives and confidence.